The Saddleback Church Pastor and author of "The Purpose Driven Life" explained the importance of learning to forgive people in a recent devotional.

Why Christians should forgive others

In the post titled; '3 Reasons God Says to Forgive Others,' he wrote that resentment which is the "unhealthiest emotion there is" should be a major reason to forgive others.

He explained, "Scientists tell us that resentment is the unhealthiest emotion there is. It always hurts you more than anybody else! Resentment will not change the past, and it won't solve the problem. It doesn't even make you feel better. In fact, it makes you feel worse.

"The Bible says in Hebrews 12:15, "Be careful that none of you fails to respond to the grace which God gives, for if he does there can very easily spring up in him a bitter spirit which is not only bad in itself but can also poison the lives of many others" (PHILLIPS)."

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According to Pastor Warren, another reason to forgive is "because God wants you to do it."

He wrote, "Matthew 6:14–15 says, "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins" (NIV). Jesus says we cannot receive what we are unwilling to give. If you say, "I could never forgive that person," then I hope you never sin. If you just don't feel like doing it, do it anyway, because it's the right thing to do."

The pastor's last reason to forgive is "because God has been gracious to you."

He encouraged Christians to forgive since "You will never have to forgive anyone else more than Jesus Christ has already forgiven you."

Pastor Warren added, "Remember that you haven't always gotten what you deserved either. God has been gracious with you. Now choose to be gracious with others."

He concluded with a prayer for anyone who does not feel forgiven.

"No matter what you've done or where you've been, you can have a place in God's forever family ready and waiting for you. The invitation is wide open. Just believe and receive," Pastor Warren wrote.